The properties are mainly 2 and 3 bedroom terraced houses, some of which
have been empty for some time. Some are in poor condition, but under the
scheme Riverside will carry out structural repairs and some improvement
works to bring all properties up to a standard which should allow buyers
to secure a mortgage.

What will the properties be sold for?

The properties will be sold at market value (independently set), but
buyers will receive a grant from Riverside equivalent to 25% of market
value. In other words if a property has a market value of £80,000,
then allowing for the grant, the buyer would pay £60,000.

What is the catch?

There is no catch. However Riverside will only sell homes to people intending
to live in the properties themselves (owner occupiers), and only then
on the condition that the property is not sub-let. In addition, the buyer
will only be allowed to sell the property to another home owner, to stop
the property being let by a private landlord.

Can the buyer keep the grant?

Yes, provided they live in the property for 5 years. If they sell the
property before then they will have to pay some or all of the grant back
(on a sliding scale of 20% per year) a bit like Council tenants have to
with a ‘Right to Buy’ discount.

Why is Riverside doing this?

Where properties are empty, they do not help with the image of the neighbourhood.
We believe that by selling some properties to home owners who are willing
to stay in an area and invest in the homes, this will help stabilise the
neighbourhood and make it more attractive to other people thinking of
moving in. It will help shift the balance from rented accommodation to
owner occupation.

Who can buy one of these properties?

OwnPlace is aimed at helping first time buyers onto the first rung of
the housing ladder. We have developed a simple set of eligibility rules:

Buyers must be 18 years or older

They must either be renting a property or living with family or friends

They must be able to show that they need help in buying a property
because of limited income although….

They must also be able to show that buying a home (with the benefit
of a grant) and looking after it is something they can afford to do.

They must be able to fund the purchase either through a mortgage or
savings.

Some existing home owners may also be eligible – for instance
if they need to move because their home is being cleared, or they need
to move because of a relationship breakdown.

Purchasers will be asked for personal and financial details so that we
can check eligibility against a set of detailed criteria.

How do I apply?

The properties will be marketed through a local estate agent, Brennan
Ayre O’Neill using the ‘OwnPlace’ brand. They will put
up sign boards, advertise in newspapers and develop a website. People
interested in buying will be asked to register an interest by completing
an application form which will be considered in date order.

When will this happen?

Ownplace has been operating successfully since 2007 and won a UK Housing award in 2011.